StepChange Debt Charity shares tips for people worried about energy costs as price cap rises

^{1 October 2025}

With the energy price cap set to rise by 2% from today, StepChange Debt Charity has shared its tips for people worried about the impact of rising energy bills.

For a household with typical usage and paying by Direct Debit, the energy price cap will rise by £35 per year. Whilst this seems like a small amount, StepChange has seen its clients increasingly struggle with energy debt for several years now, with new figures showing a 32% rise in average energy arrears among StepChange clients seeking debt advice over the last two years.

The charity has shared advice for people worried about rising bills, or struggling with energy arrears:

• Ensure you are getting the best deal: Switching energy suppliers or tariffs could save you money and there are many comparison sites that can help you look into this. However, it's important to use a site that has signed up to Ofgem's Confidence Code to get unbiased comparisons.
• Reach out to your energy company: Energy suppliers have dedicated support for customers who are struggling with bills. This could include payment plans, hardship funds, or access to grants, so contact them as soon as possible to assess your options.
• Contact your local council to see if you are eligible for any support through the Household Support Fund, which offers help if you cannot afford to pay for utilities, food and other essentials.
• Look into the British Gas Energy Trust to see if you may be eligible for a grant. You need to get debt advice from a trusted organisation like StepChange and you must not be able to get a grant from your current supplier. However, you do not have to be a British Gas customer to be eligible.
• Avoid further borrowing: If finances are tight and you're struggling to cover bills, try to avoid resorting to credit to pay for them. This may only worsen debt problems in the long run, and this is where it may be beneficial to seek expert advice or to look into what support is available to you.
• Seek free and impartial debt advice from a debt advice charity like StepChange, who can help you get back on track and recommend a path forward for dealing with your debts.

Simon Trevethick, Head of Communications at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

"Not only will people find they are having to switch on their heating now as the weather turns colder, but bills are also set to go up this month, which is another blow to household finances.

"Energy arrears are the most common type of debt across household bills that we see at StepChange, and people have had little respite from steep costs over the past three years.

"For anyone who is struggling or worried about energy bills, there is support available out there - contact your supplier, check to see if you're eligible for any grants, and of course you can always get in touch with an organisation like StepChange. We help lots of people who are in the same boat, and we're here to offer free and non-judgemental advice to help you get back on track."